Abuja, July 27, 2024 – The House of Representatives announced plans to investigate the ongoing dispute between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The inquiry will also include the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL).
Rep. Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson of the House, made this announcement while addressing the media in Abuja on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this investigation comes amid a severe fuel crisis across the country, coupled with allegations that Dangote’s fuel is of low quality. Agbese emphasized the House’s commitment to protecting national assets and critical economic infrastructure, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
“We have witnessed numerous demarketing campaigns aimed at discrediting the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, causing panic and uncertainty, which has led to the resurgence of fuel queues,” Agbese stated.
He accused the NNPC and NMDPRA of playing significant roles in these attempts to undermine the refinery, labeling such actions as unacceptable. Agbese also highlighted concerns about false narratives being spread by those interested in importing substandard fuels into Nigeria.
“The House is dedicated to investigating these allegations to ensure the nation’s wellbeing,” he added.
The House of Representatives had previously urged the President to dismiss the leadership of NMDPRA. Agbese indicated that the House would also push for the removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, if evidence emerged showing attempts to sabotage Dangote Refinery.
Many Nigerians have expressed their desire to see Kyari’s removal if it would ensure smoother operations in the country. Agbese also pointed out that numerous Nigerians had called off a proposed hardship protest but remained insistent on the need for Kyari’s dismissal.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, recently led a delegation to visit the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos. This visit was part of the House’s efforts to understand and support the nation’s key industries.
Abbas noted that the visit provided valuable insights that would inform the House’s legislative measures and decisions. He affirmed the House’s commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment, aiming to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
